More SPF’s That Rock

Last year I dropped an ‘SPFs That Rock’ edit and it’s time to add some newly released sunscreens to that list. They’ve come a long way in recent times and are no longer the gloopy messes that we’d elicit out a groan each time our parents chased us down the beach with them in hand, with textures that left us with a white-veil and sand sticking to every single crevasse of our bodies. Today I’m talking exclusively facial formulas though and there’s something for everyone – budget and skin concern. I’ll crack on…

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light SPF 50+ – £11 – from Escentual. Sensitive skins listen up. Non-perfumed, high protection and light feeling, the texture just melts into skin. It feels slightly tacky when first applied, but in seconds it dries down and you don’t even feel like it’s there. Can the L.R.P formulas get anymore barely there?

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defence SPF 45 – £26 – from House of Fraser. A good all-rounder, like the other Clinique SPF’s I’ve tried it deposits itself with a hint of tint, though don’t get too excited as it blends away when you applying leaving just the tiniest amount of colour behind. But that’s ok, because the formula actually feels refreshing and kinda cooling when you massage it in. I’ve given this a good and proper road test by applying a tonne and still it never going heavy. Amazeballs. Yes I just said amazeballs.

I love that you included one for sensitive skin! I’ve got to try this! As someone who is (a) super pale and (b) burnt VERY easily, I have to say this post was a really helpful post!

– Kaitexpress {Bloglovin’} (=

Sophie ♥

I am so bad with facial sunscreens, mainly because I worry they’ll make my skin look oily or break me out. This Benefit Dream Screen sounds fabulous though! I’ll have to keep an eye out for it when I’m next near a counter.

Sophie | Nana Wintour

Emily Knott

Would like to try the Benefit sunscreen, although I’m always a little skeptical of skincare products made by makeup brands!

I totally agree. Unless they are owned by one of the big conglomerates that have a science based skincare line in their suite of companies, in which case they may be transferring knowledge amongst companies.

Leanne Marshall

The La Roche Posey range is brilliant – i have Vitaligo (small 5p sized non pigmented skin on my back that obviously burn really bad in uv)Thiswas fab for protecting them. And non greasy too. i could wear makeup straight after application. A must try for sun sensative skin!

http://ellabooxo.blogspot.co.uk Ella

THERE SHOULD NOT BE AN APOSTROPHE IN THE TITLE. Otherwise, this was a really useful post aha x

These look really good, are you supposed to apply them multiple times throughout the day like a normal sum screen or can I just put them on in the morning and forget about it? I get so confused thanks for this post Anna, it was good timing xxx

http://www.clemmiesbigsister.co.uk Daisy

I talk about SPF on my blog (here, if you’re interested: http://bit.ly/SVKXrb). The main thing to think about when it comes to reapplication is whether you are using a chemical or a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens don’t degrade in the same way that chemical ones do, so for day-to-day wear on your face they are a bit easier and you can get away without reapplying unless you are in very bright sunlight. If you are somewhere really sunny, are likely to sweat a lot, or are going swimming, you need to reapply. Otherwise, you can give your SPF a touchup with a pressed powder containing SPF. x

The Benefit one is definitely on my To Try List – fragrance free, alcohol free, looks great! I refuse to try the LRP though – it’s too full of alcohol. Did you know that alcohol in skincare can cause cell death, irritate the skin into overproduction of sebum (which leads to acne) and will exacerbate dryness? Instead I love the Soap & Glory Sunshield Superfluid, a great alternative!

For those of us whose budgets can’t even cover La Roche Posay (I’m looking at you, students) I’d really recommend the Boots Soltan for face. You literally need a garden pea sized amount and it creates a nice base for makeup in my experience!

http://www.everyella.blogspot.com Ella

I’m tanned even not wanting to tan, I’ve just been walking from university to the bus stop in these days and everybody tells me I’m darker now! I should start applying some SPF

Girls just remember – apply 1/4 teaspoon on your face otherwise you are not getting the protection you think you are. Also if it’s a chemical filter, aka the LRP, it needs to go straight onto your skin before any serums, oils etc. Then wait for 20 min for the actives to be absorbed by your skin. Otherwise you’re wasting your precious pennies

ElenaM

Really? Have I to put it straight on my skin and wait 20 minutes before applying anything else? And it will not give me brakeouts? Thank you, I didn’t know any of this!!

If its chemical, yes. If its a physical filter, then its the last thing after your lotions & potions, but before make up because it forms a barrier. I personally prefer physical (with a high level of ZO) because I don’t have time in the mornings to wait 20 min for my SS to sink in. But its true that chemical filters are more cosmetically elegant.

If you’re breaking out, it may be because you’re not removing yr SS properly at night. I always use an oil cleanse & have yet to break out from using an SS. Hope this helps!

ElenaM

I bought the Anthelios spf just last week from Feelunique and I absolutely agree with your review!

http://love-loft-life.com/ Kristiana

The Benefit Dream Screen sounds great! I’m going to have to try that one. I’m also on the hunt for a good waterproof facial sunscreen. Any recommendations?

The It Cosmetics CC cream is what’s getting me through this summer, 50 SPF, it’s amazing!ErinElizabethBlog

Asha Stenzel

I work a lot outside during the summer for my job and have been on the search for some great products with SPF. I am excited to have stumbled across this post! Now I am looking into all of these products! Thanks!

Millie Robinson

I’m definitely loving the sound of the Benefit one, their skincare is really nice, and the packaging is super cute x

I have very dry skin and the La Roche Posay made it worse, because there is quite a lot of alcohol in it.
My go-to sunscreen in the Clinique City Block SPF 40. The Even Better one does not have sufficient UVA protection (anti aging). But the City Block is just perfect.

http://unstitchedd.blogspot.co.uk/ Maddy from UNSTITCHEDD.

Love the idea of facial sunscreen, but I always just totally forget to apply it! x

Great roundup, Anna! I’m forever looking for lightweight facial sunscreens that won’t break me out or leave me oily. So tempted by the BeneFit and Clinique offerings

Nida

Thanks for sharing. I’m in need of a new SPF especially since I live in Texas, which is extremely hot and sunny. I’ve never tried La Roche Posay, but I really want to try out their products. I might just have to!

xx,
Nida from Nida Does Beauty

Megan Roisin

I recently invested in Dream Screen and it’s just the absolute best for my oily skin